Speaking to a packed audience of students, Radhika also highlighted India’s rise on the global stage and the growing prominence of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine science.
Radhika Merchant Ambani, the daughter-in-law of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Saturday delivered a powerful address at the Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN), where she touched upon several issues, including AI, feminism and the evolving definition of success.
Speaking to a packed audience of students, Radhika also highlighted India’s rise on the global stage and the growing prominence of Ayurveda, an ancient medicine science.
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She cautioned students against becoming overly dependent on technology for creativity and critical thinking, encourging them to embrace first-principles thinking and retain the joy of learning.
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She emphasised that curiosity and problem-solving will remain invaluable skills in an AI-driven future.
On the subject of feminism, Radhika said true progress would come when feminism is no longer viewed solely as a women’s issue.
She stressed the need to educate both men and women about mutual respect and equality, while underscoring financial independence as one of the most powerful tools for empowerment.
On the future of India’s businesses, she referred to India as the “pharmacy of the world”, noting that the country’s next challenge lies in transitioning from large-scale manufacturing to innovation-led growth.
She further highlighted the need for greater investment in research, stronger public-private partnerships, and a willingness to take calculated risks to drive breakthrough discoveries. She also pointed to energy self-reliance as a crucial pillar of India’s ambition to become a global superpower.
Drawing from her own journey, Radhika spoke about studying Political Science at New York University and returning to India during a period of significant national transformation.
AShe witnessed India’s rapid evolution through initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI, and Jio. Her decision to return home, she said, was rooted in a desire to contribute to the country’s growth story.
She cautioned young people to be mindful of social media algorithms that, according to her, often create echo chambers. Radhika also suggested the young students to actively seek perspectives different from their own.
Radhika also spoke about her passion for Bharatanatyam, the traditional Indian dance form. She described dance as “a spiritual practice and an act of service”. For her, Radhika said, Bharatanatyam is a “medium of storytelling, faith, and self-expression.”
When students asked her about success, Radhika challenged conventional metrics such as fame, wealth, and status.
Instead, she spoke about creating meaningful impact, generating employment opportunities, and leaving the world better than one found it.” Her definition of success centered on contribution, kindness, and being a net positive influence on society.
Radhika also addressed failure and ambition as she encouraged students to dream fearlessly. “Setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones,” she stressed.
In a world that is changing faster than ever before, she emphasized agility, continuous self-improvement, and resilience as the qualities that will define future leaders.
Her appearance at IIMUN became an interactive exchange of ideas and opened up conversations around technology, entrepreneurship, culture, leadership, and social responsibility.
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